10 Minimal Effort Sides for Taco Night
Everyone loves taco night and a good taco night is only made better with some delicious side dishes! We have rounded up the best sides that are easy to make, super delicious, and pair perfectly with your favorite tacos. We have everything from fresh pico de Gallo to refried black beans and everything in between.
Elote in a Cup
Mexican street corn is always a favorite taco side dish, but this recipe makes it more convenient, less messy, and just as tasty as serving it right on the cob. Toasted corn, a creamy drizzle, salty crumble of cotija, and plenty of fresh cilantro and lime juice along with a sprinkle of tajin are all layered in a cup or bowl. Definitely easier and less messy to eat!
Get the Recipe: Elote in a Cup.
Refried Black Beans
Grab a can of black beans and transform them into the best-refried beans. Stuff them into your tacos or serve them on the side, no matter how you eat them, you are going to love how they taste! They are made with just three ingredients and take just 15 minutes to make.
Get the Recipe: Refried Black Beans.
Roasted Corn Salsa
This roasted corn salsa is a delicious addition to your tacos, nachos, burritos, or as a side “salad” to your tacos. Just like the Chipotle version, this delicious dip is made with sweet corn, poblano peppers, onion, jalapenos, cilantro, and fresh citrus for a delicious, zippy flavor. You can adjust the spice level to your preference so it’s just right.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Corn Salsa.
Black Beans and Rice
This is such a simple and easy side to pair with tacos. Black beans and rice is perfect with your next southwest or Mexican-inspired meal! It’s flavored with onion, garlic, cumin, cilantro, and lime juice and is ready to eat in 30 minutes. Use leftovers as a base for burrito bowls.
Get the Recipe: Black Beans and Rice.
Black Bean and Quinoa Salad
This salad starts with black beans and quinoa for a filling and flavorful side dish to pair with tacos. It’s light and bright, satisfying and nutritious, and loaded with plant-based protein and fiber, all with tons of layered flavor. Great for dinners as you can make it ahead.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean and Quinoa Salad.
Roasted Tomato Corn and Basil Salad
A simple side salad makes a great addition to taco night. With roasted corn, tomatoes, fresh basil, and slices of avocado, this dish is as flavorful as it is colorful. It’s delicious with any tacos, but really nice with chicken or shrimp tacos.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Corn and Basil Salad.
Borracho Beans
Let your instant pot make short work of your side dish for taco night. Traditionally, borracho beans are made with bacon, but this vegetarian version leans on other umami ingredients for all of the flavor without the meat. Add some jalapeno slices to the top to spice things up, or top with a scoop of sour cream and salsa if you prefer.
Get the Recipe: Borracho Beans.
Cucumber Salsa
You’ll love this fresh and crispy cucumber salsa on a spicy taco! It’s delicious on so many tacos – steak, pork, or chicken. Add jalapenos to taste – it can be as spicy or as mild as you want it to be.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salsa.
Charro Beans
Grab some pinto beans to make this meaty staple for Mexican meals. Charro beans are seasoned pinto beans cooked with onions, tomatoes, jalapenos, and a variety of meats, here we’re using hot dogs and smoked Polish sausage. This is a very hearty dish and can be considered a side dish or a main course.
Get the Recipe: Charro Beans.
Pico De Gallo
Fresh homemade salsa fresco makes the best easy addition to your next taco night. This recipe is so easy to prepare and requires just a few ingredients. It’s a delicious way to add some fresh flavor and fresh produce to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Pico De Gallo.
